Just Walking Around

Eggcellent Eggilicious Sunday’s

One day in the week everyone looks forward to after the daily grind and other family responsibilities taken care off is the SUNDAY. A day spent catching up on lost sleep, relaxing and generally lazying around at a pace much slower than the rushed up week days.Sunday’s is also for those late breakfasts in between many cups of tea and the customary reading of The Sunday Times to catch up on the weekly news , views and all that in between on Arts Culture and Sports . A perfect start to the morning or late afternoon depending upon when you get up.

But the one thing I look forward to is the Eggiliscious breakfast on such lazy Sunday. I am passionate about eggs. For a person who doesn't quite enjoy toiling in the kitchen, an egg is like a wonder ingredient. From plain, simple and sumptuously satisfying omelettes to the more exquisite preparations including the worlds of the Benedict,Scotch eggs and much more - it is an item that can go along with its master - whether a beginner or a sophisticated chef. I don't care much about my breakfast till it is energy dense, full of nutrients sans any junk. Perfectly done eggs along with a glass of juice or our kadak chai, a couple of slices of whole grain bread or the soft ladi pav and I am set. Though I am the kind of person who doesn't get bored of classics easily, having a profession which involves a lot of travel, a chance to eat a variety of egg preparations for breakfast is something I would call my personal bliss.

Moreover, there is just so much that one can do with eggs. You don't need elaborate prepping to cooks eggs. While omelets, half fries and the classic hard-boiled would seem passe to most food enthusiasts, the poached, scrambled, baked or for that matter deviled versions are a certain hit with foodies. Lets admit, eggs and breakfast go hand in hand for most of us. It is as ubiquitous a combination as that of a needle and thread. But for those who loathe monotony and detest routine in their days there are recipes that are yummy and also fills the tummy. Some mouthwatering some pleasing to the eye and some just spicy to make your taste buds dance with ecstasy.

Parathas are undoubtedly a staple Indian food that can be eaten with almost anything. Mughlai Paratha or the Baida Roti as famously known in Bengali household is one such variety that has a huge fan following. Parathas or Rotis stuffed with eggs and fried to perfection, Baida Roti is popular Bengali street food that is relished right from Kolkotta to Mumbai.

Staying in Matunga and surrounded by Irani / Parsi Café’s like Koolar’s , Café Gulshan and Café Colony one of the special egg recipe is the Akuri. Akuri is the perfectly scrambled eggs for the Indian palate – tad spicy, creamy, hint of coriander. It forms a perfect breakfast dish or a snack sitting neatly on top of a crisp toast.Also can be had with laddi pav or the crunchy Brun or Kadak pav as it is known in Mumbai. 

Another favorite egg dish while sitting at any Irani Café is the Masala Omelette. A spicy combination eggs whisked with flavorful spices, onions and tomatoes. Masala omelette is the classic Indian breakfast recipe that is quick, easy to prepare and full of flavour. Another specialty at Koolar’s Café is The Wrestlers Omelette. The aptly named Wrestler Omelette packs in five eggs, and is vouched for by some of the city’s best body builders including fitness expert Kaizaad Kapadia. This  five-egg omelette may constitute a typical breakfast for a wrestler, but for those of us not in the muscle flexing business, it's a breakfast challenge. The omelette takes about 20 minutes to prepare, but is well worth the wait. The eggs are whisked with chopped onions, green chilies and some coriander, and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. Two people can easily split the dish, or if you're feeling particularly indulgent, take it on by yourself.

A complex egg recipe is the Eggs Benedict . Bread topped with blanched spinach, smoked salmon, a delicately poached egg and Hollandaise sauce with a pinch of paprika. Let your taste buds go on a roller coaster of flavors with this classic egg dish. 

One more difficult egg recipe is the stuffed egg. A little bit of effort and this recipe helps you tap your culinary potential. Hard-boiled eggs loaded with masalas, nuts, cheese and tamarind paste, dipped in a smooth batter and fried golden. One of my favorite recipes and made lovingly by my wifey’s maternal aunt Sunita Maushi. Yummy to taste and finger licking recipe, when you eat this you can’t stop at one.

One egg recipe which I found was unique and unusual was the Omelette Curry introduced to me Jagdish dada , again my Wifey’s cousin from Goa. As you know Omelettes are simple, filling and never boring. This recipe offers a fresh depart from the usual, a tomato based curry with omelette chunks dipped deep in. A twist to the usual omelette that we have in breakfast, turn it around and relish it for lunch too

And how can you write about egg recipes and not write about the childhood favorite Egg and Cheese French Toast. The mouthwatering breakfast option is made up of slices of bread coated in a batter of egg and spices along with a generous helping of cheese.

I can not but skip a very unique eggitarian dish I recently had during one of my sales visits in Ahmedabad. An otherwise pure vegetarian city but there is this place called the Ahmedabad Food Truck an open area / ground near Karnawati Club where you will find 10-12 food trucks parked duiring the day and night. During evening time this area comes alive with lights and action . With smeels of delicious non-veg food wafting from each Truck. It’s a non-vegetarians paradise. Here your get Tandoory chicken , Chicken tikka's and kabab's. Wraps of multiple kinds , some spicy some cheesy but all of them mouth watering. Some specialize in Chicken and Mutton dishes and 2 in egg dishes. At one of these trucks called the Egg’s World you get Old and famous John Ki Roti a really scrumptious egg wrap made in a very unique way.It has and hot dog bun filled with sauteed tomato onion and cheese mixture blended with garam masala to give it a spicy taste. This subway type sandwiches is coated with a batter of whisked eggs and fan fried to perfection .Cut into bite size pieces and Served with mint chutney. The first bite itself will explode in your mouth with flavours you have never tasted before. A truly mouth watering and heavy dish. One John Ki Roti and your tummy is full.

Besides these they serve lots of other egg recipes be it the simple boiled egg salad sprinkled with chaat masala to make finger licking. Omelette curry masala with bread slices and many other delicious dishes to choose from.

And finally for those midnight hunger pangs and food craving what best than the classic Mumbai roadside Masala Egg Bhurji. Scrambled eggs made the Mumbaiya Ishtyle. Eggs, lots of chopped onions and tomatoes a little bit of masala and butter all coming together to make this much loved street food. This recipe of Egg bhurji is a personal favorite among all the eggetarians since these scrambled eggs are easy and quick to make. Great with toast or pav and is sure to satisfy any palate.

Eggs are versatile to make just about anything.So go ahead try an egg next itme when you are hungry . A meal my itself and rich in protiens. So what are you waiting for Sunday Ho Ya Monday Roj Khao Ande….